Join ME to WE and extend your Trafalgar trip with the perfect, hands-on sustainable experience. The vibrant culture and traditions of rural India are featured on this transformative experience.

Special Rate Solo Rooming: The following departures of 21 January, 18 February, 18 March, 22 April, 28 October and 25 November 2018 and 17 February and 17 March 2019 include a discount of up to 11% on our standard single supplement.

2019 departures are subject to change of itinerary, price, discount and hotels. These will be confirmed in June 2018.

Important Information: For the trip starting in Delhi on 16 December, a Gala Dinner is included at the Hotel Rawla Narlai on 24 December.

Flights: Prices include internal airfare and taxes for flight: Udaipur to Mumbai and are accurate as of 1st June 2017.

Travel Today, Sustain Tomorrow - In Delhi, you'll learn about the work being done by the Salaam Baalak Trust in the rehabilitation of street children and how your visit helps to support this.

Visas are required for India. Please contact the consulate/embassy for further information.

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.

Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).

For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.

About this trip

Ignite all your senses on this journey through the colourful, crowded bazaars, exquisite architecture and culinary splendour of India. Meet its vibrant people, see the beauty of the Taj Mahal and stay at a heritage resort with royal roots as you trace this magical land's ancient traditions, unforgettable flavours and beautiful landscapes.

Welcome to India. Upon arrival at Delhi Airport transfer to your hotel. This evening meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetisers.

Hotel

Sheraton New Delhi

Meals

Welcome Reception

Hotel

Sheraton New Delhi

Meals

Welcome Reception

Day 1

Day 2

DelhiDay 2 - Delhi

This morning begin your City Tour with a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi for a Cultural Insight. View the Red Fort, the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Its main gate faces Chandni Chowk the bustling and colourful market of the old city with its twisting lanes and crowded bazaars. It was once the commercial centre of Delhi in times gone by. See it come alive in the morning as the days trading begins. Take a peek through a portico and you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 at a cost of 1 million rupees. Return to your hotel and enjoy some free time this afternoon to relax or explore further.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Day 2

Day 3

DelhiDay 3 - Delhi

After a late start this morning take a specially designed walk through the city and discover the work done by the Salaam Baalak Trust, a non-profit, non-governmental organization that aims to provide a sensitive and caring environment for street and working children in Delhi. Learn about the daily lives of these street children from your guide, a former street child who was previously cared for by the Salaam Baalak Trust and has since trained as a guide, a Cultural Insight. Later walk through the bazaar of Paharganj and a vegetable market where the locals do their daily shopping. After lunch in a local restaurant continue your City Tour with a visit to New Delhi which was designed and built by the British starting in the 1920's. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947. It is a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. Visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Later drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Day 3

Day 4

Delhi – AgraDay 4 - Delhi – Agra

This morning after breakfast travel to Agra which in the 16th and 17th centuries was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. In the afternoon visit the impressive Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and walk through the chambers of this royal residence. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city and during Mughal times housed the state treasury and mint. As you drive through the city, witness the local life and the hustle and bustle of everyday India. Continue to your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

Hotel

Double Tree by Hilton

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Dinner

Hotel

Double Tree by Hilton

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Dinner

Day 4

Day 5

Agra – Jaipur (3 Nights)Day 5 - Agra – Jaipur (3 Nights)

Make an early start this morning to visit the spectacular Taj Mahal at sunrise when its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints. It was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then depart for Jaipur, stopping for lunch en-route. Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" and is the capital of the colourful state of Rajasthan. On arrival check-in to the hotel.

Hotel

Hilton

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Hotel

Hilton

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Day 5

Day 6

Jaipur SightseeingDay 6 - Jaipur Sightseeing

This morning's City Tour begins with a visit to the City Palace which opened as a museum in 1959 and is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. Next visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar; an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make a brief stop at the Palace of Winds, a spectacular five storied wonder constructed to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the life and processions of the city unseen from the outside. This afternoon your choice of activities offers you the opportunity to learn about ancient customs and pastimes in a Cultural Insight. Choose between Turban Tying (turbans are worn by all members of society in Rajasthan) or Kite Flying (a very popular pastime in Jaipur) or, if you are feeling adventurous, have a go at both! Later return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Day 6

Day 7

JaipurDay 7 - Jaipur

Depart the hotel this morning for a trip to the Amber Fort; a marvellous example of Rajput architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The interior of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. Later learn about the tradition of hand block printing from a Local Specialist. The block-printed cottons of Jaipur have been renowned for their exquisite patterns and natural colouring for at least 250 years. The traditional prints and designs differ from area to area and can determine village, profession or even marital status. Blue Pottery is also synonymous with Jaipur and it is its vibrant colours of blues and greens which really sets it apart from other pottery in the country. Visit a workshop where a Local Specialist demonstrates how the pottery is made. This evening enjoy a Be My Guest experience with a local family in their home.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Be My Guest Dining

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Be My Guest Dining

Day 7

Day 8

Jaipur – Narlai (2 Nights)Day 8 - Jaipur – Narlai (2 Nights)

This morning depart for Narlai, a sleepy yet spectacular village on a country back road of Ranakpur which is a picturesque base for exploring the true India and the local countryside. Stop for lunch along the way and on arrival in Narlai check-in to your Authentic Accommodation; the Rawla Narlai, a beautifully maintained heritage resort which lies hidden away in a small village in the heart of the Aravalli Hills. It is a relaxing place to unwind with plenty of outdoor space and shaded nooks and crannies. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and an evening at leisure.

Hotel

Rawla Narlai Authentic Accommodation

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Hotel

Rawla Narlai Authentic Accommodation

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 8

Day 9

NarlaiDay 9 - Narlai

This morning take part in a Jeep safari into the nearby countryside to see the wildlife and perhaps, if you are lucky, deer and leopards in their natural habitat. Later take a walk around the village and get a glimpse of the traditional way people live there even today. Narlai is a very close-knit community and people are generally happy with the simple life supported by agriculture and cattle farming. During the walk there will be opportunities to go inside some of the houses, talk to the people, ask questions and maybe even have a cup of tea! Afterwards enjoy some free time during the afternoon and later meet one of the family members for some fascinating stories and history about the hotel and the locals, a Cultural Insight. At dinner this evening taste the flavour of true Rajasthani royal hospitality at the 16th century old Stepwell of the Rawla Narlai.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Dinner

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Dinner

Day 9

Day 10

Narlai – Udaipur (2 Nights)Day 10 - Narlai – Udaipur (2 Nights)

This morning travel to Udaipur; set amongst rolling hills and shimmering lakes with fairy-tale palaces, it is considered by many to be the most beautiful and romantic city in Rajasthan. It has the atmosphere of a small town and it is surprisingly quiet and traffic-free with winding alleyways and tree-lined streets. This evening enjoy a scenic boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola with a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east bank.

Hotel

Trident by Oberoi

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Hotel

Trident by Oberoi

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Day 10

Day 11

UdaipurDay 11 - Udaipur

Start this morning's City Tour with a visit to the City Palace complex which consists of four major and several minor palaces, forming a single breathtaking façade of almost 900 meters in length overlooking Lake Pichola. The Shiv Niwas and Fateh Prakash Palaces are luxury hotels today and the Shambhu Niwas Palace houses the private residences of the royal family. Visit the City Palace which is the oldest part of the complex dating back to the 16th century and has been converted into a museum. It houses a huge collection of rare miniature paintings and beautiful decorative motives made with mirrors and coloured glass. Later wander through the markets and bazaars to get a feel for the city and perhaps take the opportunity to purchase a sari. Visit the Jagdish Temple built in 1651, ornamented with excellent carvings and a bronze figure of the Garuda. Proceed to the Garden of the Maids of the Honour constructed in the early 18th century which was used as a venue for royal parties. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy some free time or take part in an Optional Experience.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Day 11

Day 12

Udaipur – Mumbai (2 Nights)Day 12 - Udaipur – Mumbai (2 Nights)

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra and the economic powerhouse of India. On arrival begin your City Tour with an orientation drive around the city. Visit Dhobi Ghat, a unique feature of Mumbai and a Cultural Insight, the 'dhobi' is a traditional laundryman, who will collect dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed and all for a pittance. Travel along Marine Drive and Nariman Point before arriving at Mani Bhawan, a memorial dedicated to this legendary freedom fighter of India. See the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a historic railway station listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the busiest railway stations in India. The station was designed by Frederick William Stevens, a consulting architect in 1887-1888 and it took ten years to complete. It was originally named "Victoria Terminus" in honour of Queen Victoria. Check in to your hotel and later this afternoon continue with your City Tour. See Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India, a huge archway on the water's edge. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum which showcases ancient artworks, sculptures and artefacts in its galleries. Later enjoy a walk through the famous Crawford Market. Named after Bombay's first municipal commissioner, Arthur Crawford, the Crawford Market is at the northern end of the old British part of the city

Hotel

JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Hotel

JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Day 12

Day 13

MumbaiDay 13 - Mumbai

This morning take a boat trip across Mumbai Harbour to see the rock-cut temples on Gharapuri, better known as Elephanta Island; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island was renamed Elephanta by the Portuguese after the huge carved elephant they found near the shore when they landed there. The labyrinth of cave temples represents some of India's most impressive temple carvings. The main Shiva-dedicated temple is an intriguing latticework of courtyards, halls, pillars and shrines. This afternoon return to your hotel and have some free time for last minute shopping or take part in an Optional Experience. This evening join your fellow guests and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Day 13

Day 14

Depart MumbaiDay 14 - Depart Mumbai

Transfer to Mumbai Airport for your onward flight.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Day 14

Available Departures

Please see http://www.trafalgar.com:80/sa/tours/treasures-of-northern-india-with-mumbai for the latest discounts & departure information.

The Trafalgar Difference

Authentic Accommodation
Stay in a beautifully maintained heritage resort in Narlai, which was once a hunting lodge of Jodhpur's Royal Family

Cultural Insights
Take a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Learn about the daily lives of the street children of Delhi and share their life stories. Choose between learning the art of Rajasthani Turban Tying or Kite Flying, a very popular pastime in Jaipur. Interact with the head of a noble family in Narlai and visit a Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai

The Trafalgar Experience

Simply Authentic

Enjoy

Enjoy the wonder of travel, crisscrossing the globe through the seasons. On effortless adventures in breathtaking new horizons, forge lifelong friendships and memories. Our lovingly crafted itineraries are a fascinating mosaic of cultures, flavours, festivals and local stories. We’re with you all the way, guiding you and ensuring you experience the real thing: the sheer love of travel, entirely hassle-free.

Simply Authentic

Love... Travel

"Is simply the best way to position what our guests love to experience and what we love to deliver" - Gavin Tollman CEO

Simply Authentic

Meet

Meet warm-hearted locals and like-minded travellers. Along your journey of discovery, stop to share stories and flavours with local farmers, chefs and winemakers. Pause to admire the handicrafts and rich traditions of amazing artisans. Explore the essence of Europe through captivating accounts shared by expert historians and savvy local guides.

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Taste

Travelling with your tastebuds, treating them to new flavours, spices and textures along the way. From the very first breakfast to the last nightcap, travelling through Europe indulges your palate, with every meal an opportunity to discover regional fare. Savour each new flavour, try the local tipple and take home fresh culinary inspiration. Let us share our love for food and hospitality with you.

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Unwind

Once you've packed your suitcase, we take care of the rest, removing all your concerns so that you can be secure in the knowledge that an award-winning global company with an impeccable reputation has taken care of every little detail. We arrange everything you'll need along your journey - meals, accommodation and travel logistics, because we are with you all the way. Travel the world with peace of mind, knowing you’re in the hands of Trafalgar.

Guest Reviews and Ratings

The selection of historical sites and exposure to local culture was excellent. I really like the "local expert" approach. Accommodations were excellent, but I was not impressed with Indian cuisine.

Trip:

Service:

Service rating : I had an awesome experience in India and especially Rajasthan and in particular the village of Naralai. We stayed at a palace belonging to a former Maharaja. The elephant ride (not included) and seeing monkeys from up close was really cool. I hope there would be other

Trip:

Service:

Service rating : guides bent over backwards to meet our needs and requests.Product : It wasn't leisurely, but it couldn't be if we wanted to see and do all that we did. I would have liked to have stayed another at the bed and breakfast in the village. It was wonderful!

Trip:

Service:

Service rating : Sites were great. The tour director, Pankej Sharma, went above and beyond to make certain our trip was memorable. The driver, Minoj, did a great job, too. He also went above and beyond to ensure my safety when I left the tour group for one day to volunteer.Product : Wonderful